The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood warning in Chicago and its suburbs on Friday, calling for 600,000 residents to ‘take immediate action to save life and property’. Frightening videos from the city captured individuals wading in knee-deep water as heavy rain wreaked havoc.
Warnings Extended to Cook and DuPage Counties
The NWS also issued a warning for parts of central Cook and southeastern DuPage counties, in effect until 5:30 PM CDT on Friday. The notice, released at 2:32 PM CDT, deals with continued flooding caused by previous heavy rain, threatening low-lying areas, urban areas, and highways throughout the area.
The advisory points to continued flooding in neighborhoods like Chicago, Cicero, Bolingbrook, Oak Lawn, Berwyn, Downers Grove, Woodridge, Midway Airport, and also neighborhood areas like Chicago Lawn, South Lawndale, Englewood, Bridgeport, Roseland, and South Shore. Other areas like Burbank, Brookfield, Palos Hills, Hinsdale, Lemont, and La Grange are also experiencing the same.
Law Enforcement Reports Worsening Conditions
Standing water and sluggish conditions were reported by local law enforcement at 2:30 PM, with creeks, streams, and underpasses being most susceptible to overflow.
NWS officials cautioned that urban environments and poor drainage could worsen the situation, and roads and streets were in danger of still being flooded. Motorists are warned against driving through the affected areas, where depth of water and debris might make the conditions unsafe.
Rainfall Accumulation and Flash Flood Definition
Up to 2 inches of rain had already accumulated when the warning was given, according to the agency’s radar.
“A Flash Flood Warning means rapid-onset flooding is imminent or may already be occurring. Persons along creeks, drainage ditches, and other waterways should take immediate precautions to protect life and property,” NWS Chicago noted on X, platform formerly known as Twitter.
Chicago locations under alert are main infrastructure locations like Midway Airport. Chicago Lawn, Englewood, Bridgeport, South Shore, Burbank, Brookfield, Hinsdale, La Grange, Justice, Summit, Burr Ridge, Ashburn, Brighton Park, New City, Auburn Gresham, and Hyde Park are also under alert.
